John Adams, known to Cleveland Guardians and baseball fans as the man behind the iconic drum at Progressive Field, passed away at the age of 71.
The Associated Press reported on Monday that Adams, who battled “several years of health issues” had passed. He spent 50 years banging a bass drum that became an integral fixture at the Guardians’ ballpark.
“For nearly five decades, the beat of John’s drum was the heartbeat of baseball here in Cleveland,” Bob DiBasio, the Guardians SVP of Public Affairs said via the team’s website. “We are all saddened by John’s passing. His dedication, commitment and passion for our franchise, at both Cleveland Stadium and Progressive Field, was unmatched. John will forever remain a member of our team.”
The Guardians honored Adams last season with a sculpture of his iconic bass drum.
Cleveland’s Twitter account posted a tribute to Adams. “John has been with us since our time at Cleveland Municipal, banging his drum for nearly 50 years, bringing joy to fans and players alike. John, you will be missed but your legacy will live on forever,” they tweeted.
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of John Adams.
John has been with us since our time at Cleveland Municipal, banging his drum for nearly 50 years, bringing joy to fans and players alike.
John, you will be missed but your legacy will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/GQ9sUt2L6f
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) January 30, 2023
Zack Meisel of The Athletic wrote a touching eulogy. “John Adams’ drumbeat was the heartbeat of every CLE baseball season for the last half-century. That ballpark memory you cherish? John Adams delivered its soundtrack,” he tweeted.
John Adams' drumbeat was the heartbeat of every CLE baseball season for the last half-century. That ballpark memory you cherish? John Adams delivered its soundtrack.
He loved baseball and people. His drum allowed him to connect with both. He'll be missed.https://t.co/llAPZKGnlv
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) January 30, 2023
Former Guardians pitcher Jensen Lewis proclaimed “There’s no larger presence on a Cleveland baseball Gameday than John Adams banging his drum.”
There’s no larger presence on a Cleveland baseball Gameday than John Adams banging his drum.
So many memories from both my playing days in an #Indians uniform & now on the media side, interacting & hearing John’s passion for our team and town.
Rest in peace, John.. 🙏🏻 https://t.co/QIoK2ZoOLh
— Jensen Lewis (@JLEWFifty) January 30, 2023
Current Guardians pitcher Daniel Robertson offered his condolences as well. “Prayers to the family and friends of John Adams. You could feel his presence and his energy. I still hear the drum sometimes when I open the yearbook. RIP John Adams. We never met but the energy was pure. Thank you for the memories,” he tweeted.
Prayers to the family and friends of #JohnAdams. You could feel his presence and his energy. I still hear the drum sometimes when I open the yearbook. RIP John Adams. We never met but the energy was pure. Thank you for the memories 🙏🏻 https://t.co/ffUYYa7tiB
— Daniel Robertson (@DanielRob99) January 30, 2023
Legendary Guardians player Sandy Alomar commented on his passing as well. “Playing in front of John was a unique baseball experience,” Alomar said via Paul Haynes. “That was all we knew as players and that’s a fact. John was going to be there no matter what. We’ll miss him and he’ll always be in our hearts.”
Sandy Alomar on playing with John Adams supplying the backbeat of a game: “Playing in front of John was a unique baseball experience. That was all we knew as players and that’s a fact. John was going to be there no matter what. We’ll miss him and he’ll always be in our hearts.”
— paul hoynes (@hoynsie) January 30, 2023
[Associated Press, Guardians.com]